Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa) is a renowned right-hand reef break in the pass of Rangiroa, known for fast, hollow, ledgey/“tubular” waves and very strong power. Multiple sources converge on the working swell starting around 2–2.5m and holding into the 5m-and-over range, with typical ride lengths in the ~50 to 150m window when the connection is good. Conditions are defined as high-consequence: the take-off is radical on sharp coral reef, and extremely strong tidal currents can pull you in or push you out. Hazards listed for the pass include sharp coral heads/reef flats, urchins and rocks, plus sharks. Because there’s no conventional beach launch, sessions require boat/dinghy access and you should be prepared to manage the risks of strong currents and reef impact. Wind-wise, trade winds dominate in the season, with SW/South to Southwest winds described as optimal for grooming and helping hold the barrel open. Best months reported for surfing/wind conditions overlap strongly from April through October, with a particularly consistent window during the trade-wind season. For timing and safety, sources emphasize surfing at mid-to-high tide (including rising/falling tides) and timing the session with the incoming tide to reduce the chance of being swept out. Medical support is described as limited on Rangiroa, so serious injuries may require medical evacuation to Tahiti.
- Right-hand reef break with hollow, fast, barreling/tubular waves
- Works from ~2–2.5m and can hold up to 5m and over
- Boat-only access; radical take-off on sharp reef
- Very strong tidal currents and reef hazards
- Hosts the annual Rangiroa Pro Surf
- World-class, right-hand reef barrels/tubes
- Crystal-clear water
- Long wave rides are possible when conditions connect
- Well-known competition/spot reputation
- Extremely strong tidal currents in the pass
- Sharp reef and reef flats create high consequence wipeouts
- Sharks and strong marine hazards are repeatedly noted
- Boat access only; logistical overhead
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, SE
- Offshore directions
- SW, S
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind pattern; strongest/most reliable during the trade wind season.
- Reliability
- High during the trade wind season.
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- The pass can be sheltered from South winds by the atoll's landmass, creating cleaner conditions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Medium waves
- Beach
- Reef — Reef (coral/sharp rocks), with sand also mentioned.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Huge — Swell described as starting at ~2–2.5m and holding up to 5m and over; large swell holds massive size but becomes increasingly dangerous.
- Launch
- Small — No traditional beach launch; most surfers launch from a boat or small dinghy.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Radical take-off and expert-only launch difficulty for the pass.
Through the year
Empty during the week; can get busier with local riders on weekends.
December to February is the wet season with higher humidity and rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing in the pass is described as extremely rare and dangerous due to offshore winds and massive currents; most activity happens away from the passes.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Foiling is possible for experts but carries high risk due to sharp reef and heavy currents; lagoon interior is better suited.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendliness is listed as limited for the pass.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
Right-hand reef break with hollow, fast, ledgey/barreling walls producing tubes.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NW, NE
- Swell Height
- 2–5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is listed as the best position; also noted as best at mid and high tide with rising/falling tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Pass conditions are exposed to strong tidal flow; wind can be sheltered at times from South winds by the atoll's landmass.
- Wind Effect
- SW/Southwest winds are optimal and can groom the face and help hold the barrel open.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up to very large swell (reported up to 5m and over). Gets increasingly dangerous with heavy currents and ledgey takeoffs.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Wave quality described as excellent / 'Regional Classic'.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Intense power; world-class barrels (sources vary between 'powerful' and 'very-powerful').
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Often described as hollow/ledgy; can barrel.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides typically range from about 50 to 150m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- 50 to 150m (often around 50 to 150m; one source notes typical rides can be ~100m depending on swell connection).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa) in the full forecast view.
Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 15–21 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- ESE123°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2421 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.4–2.0 m10s period
- Temperature
- 26–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa) is forecast for daytime winds of 15–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.4–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Strong currents and powerful rip currents that can pull you in or push you out
- Sharp coral reef / reef heads and sharp rocks
- Urchins
- Reef flats that can appear dangerously at the end of the wave
- Sharks
- Extreme tidal flow
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated rescue services are described for wind/water activities in the pass; serious incidents may require evacuation.
- Emergency Info
- Medical facilities on Rangiroa are limited; serious injuries may require medical evacuation to Tahiti.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Localism is noted as a factor in hazards.
Rules of the spot
Best reached by boat; strict surf etiquette required. Time the session with the incoming tide to avoid being swept out.
- Boat access required
- No traditional beach launch; most surfers launch from a boat or dinghy
- Access is by boat only.
- Time your session with the incoming tide to avoid being swept out to sea.
- Be careful at the end of the wave as reef flats can appear dangerously.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Papeete
- Nearest Town
- Avatoru
- Nearest Airport
- Rangiroa Airport (RGI)
- Parking
- Boat mooring or drop-off only.
- Public Transport
- Transport within the region is limited; most movement between spots is by boat.
- Access
- Accessible only by boat from the main village of Avatoru. No walk access; long walk (>30 min) if accessible by land.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- French, Tahitian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and pensions are available in Avatoru village.
- Food & Drink
- Local snacks and restaurants are located in the nearby village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is very limited; it is highly recommended to bring all your own gear.
- Gear Repair
- None available; bring a comprehensive repair kit.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Avatoru area is remote and geared toward marine activities such as snorkeling and diving, with a slow pace of life. Best visiting conditions align with the dry season, which also coincides with more reliable wind described for the area.
Largest Tuamotu atoll with vast lagoons and pink sand beaches.
A lagoon within a lagoon with turquoise waters and white sand beaches, accessible via boat tour.
Working black pearl farm offering tours and education on pearl cultivation.
World-famous drift diving and snorkeling featuring dolphins, sharks, and manta rays.
Diving and snorkeling in Tiputa Pass and the Blue Lagoon, known for shark and ray encounters.
Basic guesthouse restaurants serving local and French cuisine.
Small guesthouse bars in Avatoru village.
Family-friendly way to view extensive coral reefs and marine life without getting wet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa)?
The best overall months at Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa)?
Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa) works with S, SW, SE winds. Offshore directions are SW, S.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa) suitable for?
Avatoru Pass (Rangiroa) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Expert · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Expert.